Specs for Pool Tables

Playing pool adheres to a strict set of mathematical formulas. Professional billiards players rely on each table to be identical, so a set of specifications for pool tables has been drawn up by the World Pool-Billiards Association so that tournament players know what to expect no matter where they go to play. Without uniform specs for pool tables, the game would lose its geometric basis and become an unpredictable game of hit-or-miss.

Table Height

The table height allows players to achieve a correct billiards posture.

Regulation tables must conform to a specific height range. Measured up from the floor, the table surface, called the bed, should be between 29 1/4 inches and 31 inches. Additionally, the point of the rail, referred to as the nose, should be between 62.5 percent and 64.5 percent of the height of a standard size pool ball. This variance is allowed because the cushions tend to degrade minutely with regular play.

8-Foot Table Specs

The outside dimensions may change, but the playable surface must be very precise.

The playable table surface of a regulation 8-foot table is 92 1/8 inches long by 46 1/8 inches wide. The outer dimensions of the table will vary somewhat as the rails can be between 4 and 7 1/2 inches wide, including the cushion width. For proportional accuracy, these sizes are vital to calculating shots, especially those involving rail banks.

9-Foot Table Specs

Nine foot tables are slightly wider and longer, but obey the same shooting angles.

For a 9-foot table, the playable size is increased to 100 1/8 for the length and 50 1/8 for the width. As with the smaller table the rails can range from 4 to 7 1/2 inches wide, rails inclusive. This size of table is traditionally used for tournament or league play, where the smaller tables are more commonly found in coin operated venues, or locations where space is at a premium.

Slate Specifications

It is essential to have a smooth, stable slate.

The table slate must be at least 1 inch thick. The slate, either by itself or through support from the table frame, must conform to a flatness deviance of no more than 1/50 inch lengthwise and 1/100 inch from side to side. Tournament tables must use three equally sized piece to form the slate with a wooden support frame using at least 3/4 inch lumber.

Table Cushions

Pool players expect cushions to react in the same fashion every shot.

Rubber cushions may range from 1 7/8 inches to 2 inches in width from nose to table rail. Cushion elasticity is tested using the cue ball and a firm even stroke from head point to foot point on the table. With cushions in good condition, the ball should travel a minimum of four lengths of the table. Cushions that are visibly warped or lacking the necessary elasticity are excluded from tournament play.

Table Sights

Table sights are spaced at equal distances around the table.

Table sights are round or diamond-shaped dots placed around the perimeter of the table. There are a total of 18 sights on a regulation table, but one sight may be replaced by a name plate or counter. On a 9-foot table, sights are spaced 12 1/2 inches apart. On an 8-foot table they are located 11 1/2 inches apart. Table sights are used by players to reference the degree of angle to use for a shot.